State Senate to vote on banning sale of e-cigarettes to minors

Selling electronic cigarettes to minors would be prohibited under legislation set to advance in the Michigan Senate.

Two bipartisan bills up for votes Thursday ban the sale and use of e-cigarettes and other devices that deliver nicotine if the buyer is under 18 years old. Democratic Sen. Glenn Anderson of Westland says he is sponsoring the legislation because it's "outrageous" that a minor can legally buy and use a highly addictive product.

Gov. Rick Synder's administration and several health advocacy groups oppose the bills. They say the legislation would give e-cigarettes special treatment and protect them from standard tobacco regulations.

E-cigarettes deliver nicotine through vapor instead of the smoke associated with traditional cigarettes. The health risks of these newer products are still largely unknown.